8 Steps To Staying Motivated 

8 steps to staying motivated in your martial arts training

Everyone starts learning martial arts with an objective in mind. Whether it is to obtain a black belt, obtain another black belt, get in shape, be better than their friends, or start a career in fighting, we all have had our reasons. There comes a time in each martial artist’s path where they can feel disheartened or unmotivated. Long periods of time between advancing in belt rank, back to back fight losses, trouble finding opponents, or simply not getting the results they imagined, can all discourage athletes from training. Here are some tips that will get you out of the rough patch and keep you motivated to reaching your goal:

1.Make friends at your level

Having friends in your MMA classes will help with your own personal motivation. They share your interest in MMA training and probably share the goal that you have. They are invaluable to your progress, especially people you can relate to who are at the same level in their training as you. There is nothing like some friendly competition to motivate a person. These friends will advance with you, and with or without knowing it, they will push, strengthen, and motivate you, and be there to help. More than likely, at the same stage where you are beginning to feel unmotivated, they have felt or are feeling the same way. Having a group of friends in your MMA classes to hold each other accountable for attendance or advancing is an inspiring tool for MMA training. Even if your friends are at other MMA gyms nearby, in Toronto or Vaughan, it will be beneficial. You will also get the added benefit of being the same pillar of motivation to them.

2.Make friends that are more advanced than you

Is there a pro fighter or more advanced student whom you admire at your MMA school? Or even close by, in Toronto or Vaughan? Or maybe one that you feel most comfortable around? Make friends with this person; they person can become your mentor. Ask a more advanced student for help on a technique you are having trouble with, ask what they would do to counterattack a certain move, or any question you might have. They will be flattered and you will open a channel to a friendship or mentor relationship. Having an advanced student at your MMA school that you can talk to gives you someone to emulate, ask questions of, and look to for inspiration when you yourself are feeling unmotivated. Remember, everyone began at the same point in their MMA training; as a beginner. They have been there and know how it feels, and can help you along the journey.

3.Create a goal calendar

Every goal is comprised of smaller steps that happen along the way. If your main goal in your MMA training is to earn a black belt, become a pro, or get in shape, break down the steps that it will take to get there. Start with the larger steps, such as “Earn blue belt” or “earn brown belt,” then think of the steps in between those belts, such as mastering certain techniques. This list will seem long and cumbersome at first, but once the pieces are broken down into small, short-term goals, you can add them to the calendar.

Once you break down those steps, break them down into weekly or daily goals and to-do lists, and put them on a calendar. Create a timeline for yourself to reach your actual, long-term goal. Having a small task each week will show you that you are progressing and reveal your achievements, when they are sometimes hard to see because the main goal itself is so far away.

4.Videotape yourself

Countless martial artists wish they had some sort of video of themselves when they first began. Their first MMA classes, first tournament, or something where they could compare their skills (or lack of) from that day to the present day. Ask a friend or classmate to take a video while you are in MMA training, sparring, or at a tournament. A month later, take another video of yourself doing the same activity. Being able to see your progression, which is often overlooked if you are not progressing in rank at the same time, will keep you motivated.

5.Attend tournaments or fights

Whether you are at competition level yet or not, have no interest in competing or are a seasoned fighter, attending a tournament or fight event is a great learning and motivating experience. Watching crowds of other martial artists compete is an inspiring sight, and watching your own division will teach you things you can’t learn from MMA training alone. If possible, attend a tournament where your classmates are competing. This will inspire you to train harder, and you will feel the difference when you go back to your MMA school the following Monday.

6.Attend seminars

One reason martial arts students become unmotivated is because of the redundancy of MMA classes. Practicing the same techniques over and over can make anyone feel like they aren’t making any progress. There are always seminars nearby, in Toronto or Vaughan, of various martial arts, or perhaps a weapon or other special type of training. This will break the redundant routine and give you a breath of fresh air. It will also remind you that you have barely scratched the surface of learning in your MMA training. Seminars bring together students from other gyms of all levels and backgrounds, which also creates a great environment for inspiration.

7.Skip a week of training

“Quit training when I feel unmotivated?” This sounds ridiculous, but it often works. Most students, in the beginning, can’t go a day without MMA training. They want more than unlimited training and can’t get enough of it. But, when you hit a rough patch or begin to feel unmotivated, you miss a day or two of your MMA classes and don’t feel compelled to return. You begin to take your MMA school for granted. When you force yourself to skip an entire week, or two, anyone who loves the martial arts will agree, you will be dying to get back into the gym! “You don’t know what you got til it’s gone” is very true, even with MMA training.

8.Watch this video

If none of the above techniques get you motivated again, this video will: